ALTHOUGH I am over the moon that the Government has finally recognised the true value of our armed services, I still think of the sailors, and airmen, who served all over the world in hot spots like Malaya, Korea, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and, during the Cold War, in Germany when they were face-to-face with the Russians.

They received no pensions or payments for their service to King, and later Queen, and country because when the Second World War ended, pensions were ended until the Seventies.

The only exceptions were for officers who served 16 years and other ranks who served 22 years.

Each government since 1945 has ignored these service people.

The Royal British Legion has fought for years to have them recognised.

I am 80 years old and served in the Royal Air Force for many years, but forgive me if I cannot raise a cheer for the Government’s covenant with the armed forces because governments never keep their promises.

Name and address supplied.